HISTORICAL SITE DETAILS

Castle Hill National Historic Site

Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

The fortifications at Castle Hill were first built in order to defend the colony of 'Plaisance', which was founded by French settlers in 1662. The colony was in large part a fishing village, as France was determined to secure its share of fishing rights in Newfoundland. However, while the Castle Hill fortifications provided overland defense, the British were easily able to blockade Placentia Bay. The colony's chances of survival were further harmed by the settlers's inability to farm the land effectively. The French left Plaisance after the Treaty of Utrecht gave control of Newfoundland to Britain and moved on to build the Fortress of Louisbourg. Castle Hill was also fortified by the British during the French and Indian War, but its military might was eventually overshadowed by that of St. John's.